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  • Title: [Surgical approaches for limbal stem cell deficiency].
    Author: Grüterich M, Tseng SC.
    Journal: Klin Monbl Augenheilkd; 2002 May; 219(5):333-9. PubMed ID: 12094314.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: Stem cells are the ultimate source of the rapidly self-renewing corneal epithelium and are located in the basal layer of the limbal epithelium. A variety of diseases can compromise the stem cell pool, causing an entity called limbal stem cell deficiency. Several therapeutic strategies should be taken into account. METHODS AND RESULTS: Ocular surface defence should be restored prior to any kind of stem cell transplantation to assure a sufficient and stable tearfilm. Surgical strategies comprise superficial keratectomy with or without amniotic membrane transplantation, conjunctival-limbal autograft and keratolimbal allograft transplantation. A damaged limbal and corneal stroma can be reconstructed by amniotic membrane as a biological substrate. First encouraging results have been reported using tissue bio-engineered limbal epithelium on amniotic membrane for corneal surface reconstruction. CONCLUSION: The correct diagnosis and a restored ocular surface defence are a prerequisite for subsequent transplantation of limbal stem cells. Optimal patient selection for the respective surgical approach and systemic immunosuppression protocols to improve allograft survival need to be further investigated.
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